World’s biggest cruise ship ordered

The gigantic sixth Oasis-class ship, for 5,714 guests, will not be built in Finland as the first two were, but in France.

Royal Caribbean Cruises has ordered a sixth Oasis-class ship for delivery in 2023 – and it will be the biggest cruise ship the world has ever seen when she debuts in late 2023.

Number six will expand to 231,000 tons (210,000 tonnes), compared to Symphony of the Seas, currently the biggest cruise ship in the world at 228,081 tons, whose official maiden voyage took place late last year.

The number of staterooms will also increase from Symphony, going to 2,857 cabins for a double occupancy of 5,714 guests. Symphony of the Seas has a double occupancy for 5,518 passengers.

The line’s agreement is for the latest vessel, which has yet to be named, to debut in autumn 2023.

Turku to France
The first two Oasis-class ships, Oasis and Allure, were built by STX Finland, now known as Meyer Turku. But the next series of ships is being constructed at Chantiers de l’Atlantique in Saint-Nazaire, France.

The agreement for the sixth ship is dependent on financing, which is expected to be completed by or during the third quarter of this year.

“It is such a pleasure to announce the order of another Oasis-class ship,” exclaimed Richard Fain, chairman and chief executive of Royal Caribbean.

“This order is a reflection of the exceptional performance of this vessel class and the extraordinary partnership between Chantiers de l’Atlantique and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.”

At the shipyard Laurent Castaing, general manager of Chantiers de l’Atlantique, added: “This is the 23rd cruise ship that RCCL will be building at our shipyard and we are especially proud of it.”